Video & Transcript : 'bench trial' :
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LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 19th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, an individual has a right to a jury trial, a criminal jury trial. Is that correct?
- or elect to have a jury trial.
- The Constitution says you have a right to a jury trial.
- It doesn't say you have a right to a non-jury trial. You are guaranteed the right to a jury trial.
- You don't invoke your right to a jury trial; you have a right to a jury trial.
Bills:
HR295 , HR296 , HR297 , HR298 , HR299 , HR300 , HR301 , HR302 , HR303 , HR304 , HR305 , HR306 , HR307 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HR286 , HR287 , HR288 , HR290 , HR291 , HR292 , HR293 , HR294 , SCR61 , SCR68 , SB121 , SB250 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR96 , HCR103 , HCR108 , SB268 , SB283 , SB414 , HCR98 , HR179 , HR223 , HR225 , HR274 , HCR89 , HCR26 , HB250 , HB265 , HB339 , HB427 , HB445 , HB463 , HB468 , HB606 , HB639 , HB649 , HB665 , HB746 , HB781 , HB853 , HB861 , HB872 , HB886 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1054 , HB1068 , HB1117 , HB1237 , HB74 , HB108 , HB956 , HB1085 , HB1137 , HB75 , SB39 , SB99 , SB111 , SB112 , SB124 , SB134 , SB174 , SB189 , SB190 , SB201 , SB233 , SB236 , SB258 , SB270 , SB273 , SB288 , SB307 , SB313 , SB320 , SB321 , SB325 , SB326 , SB331 , SB339 , SB341 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB353 , SB357 , SB359 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB419 , SB422 , SB426 , SB435 , SB437 , SB440 , SB451 , SB464 , SB470 , SB487 , SB488 , SB495 , SB504 , SB505 , SB518 , SB523 , HR84 , HB646 , HB998 , HB1191 , SB78 , SB81 , SB97 , SB100 , SB109 , SB123 , SB125 , SB208 , SB385 , SB479 , SB56 , SB163 , SB197 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441
Keywords:
Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- It included people who went to trial.
- People who went to trial.
- They used their constitutional right to go to trial. They were convicted at trial.
- It is a trial.
- At trial.
Bills:
HB91 , HB123 , HB167 , HB255 , HB264 , HB321 , HB884 , HB955 , HB967 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB994 , HB1005 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1109 , SCR3
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Keywords:
criminal procedure, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection, trial rights, electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Criminal Judiciary REVISION 2: SB1379 - Removed Mar 31st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Criminal Judiciary
Bills:
SB137 , SB1216 , SB1226 , SB1238 , SB1255 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1325 , SB1460 , SB1543 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1921
Committee:
House Criminal Judiciary
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- During their trial, there was a P.R. campaign against the boys On TV and in newspapers. Donald J.
Keywords:
fertility, health benefits, family planning, assisted reproductive technology, employees, fertility treatment, ART, in vitro fertilization, IVF, infertility, family building, reproductive health, oocyte preservation, sperm preservation, embryo preservation, artificial insemination, gamete donation, embryo genetic testing, federal employee health benefits, FEHB
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- defer to the judge on this, but I think that they sat in the county jail for two years waiting for trial
- There were seven other women behind her sharing their stories in court during his trial, and he got 15
- During his trial, he got 15 years, but he only served two years. I just found that out this week.
- This bill is, members, this is what we've deemed the Speedy Trial Act.
- If you look on line 89, the Speedy Trial Fund is created by the state treasury.
Bills:
HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, custodial sexual misconduct, sexual misconduct, inmate abuse, prisoner exploitation, correctional staff, jail staff, detention center, probation officer, parole officer, Department of Corrections, Department of Youth Services, sheriff, county jail, municipal jail
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Harris has been more than a judge on the bench. He has been a pillar in our community.
- Judge Harris has been more than a judge on the bench. He has been a pillar in our community.
- While actively sitting on the bench, he acted with both justice and compassion.
- The trial courts have indicated that over 600 people were arrested at court in 2025.
- The academy is a program to increase diversity on the bench across the Commonwealth.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlining hearing rules, testimony limits, and written-testimony procedures. The first bill discussed was H. 4876, a proposal to strengthen supports for survivors of abuse. Representative Carol Faiola testified on behalf of a constituent who described how a lifetime restraining order was effectively undermined after a family member’s death, arguing the bill should limit abusers’ legal standing after death, improve survivor notification and privacy protections, expand coercive-control definitions, and create education and resource programs.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 5111, which would strengthen the Massachusetts Antitrust Act. Representative Dave Rogers and Attorney General’s Office antitrust chief Anthony Mariano said the bill would give the state more tools to pursue anti-competitive conduct, including conduct with multi-state effects, while allowing enforcement even when federal authorities are also involved. They said it would increase penalties, clarify that invitations to conspire are violations, protect labor markets, remove limits affecting some housing transactions, and extend the statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for a related “universal 1983” bill, S. 2976/H. 2976, creating a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal, state, or local officers acting under color of law; supporters said it would fill gaps in remedies against federal officers while preserving qualified immunity.
Testimony also supported H. 4783, a bill affirming the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless said the measure would push back against growing criminalization of homelessness, especially after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and local encampment bans, and would protect the use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. On H. 4826, condo owners and advocates said Chapter 183A is outdated and leaves owners with too little say and too few remedies against mismanagement, citing problems such as unsafe water, major assessments, and lack of meaningful dispute resolution. The committee also heard strong support for H. 5116, renaming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse, with testimony from family members, legislators, attorneys, and community leaders describing Judge Harris’s mentorship, community service, and commitment to second chances.
Later testimony covered S. 2975, a bill to deter ICE courthouse arrests and protect access to justice; CPCS, law students, and defense advocates said courthouse arrests chill participation by defendants, witnesses, and victims and disrupt pending cases. The committee also heard support for H. 5244, repealing an archaic law criminalizing concealment of a child’s death, with advocates arguing it has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed. The hearing concluded with additional testimony in favor of S. 2976 and more support for the Judge Harris courthouse renaming, after which the chairs closed the hearing and reminded the public how to submit written testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I think what’s happening is that there are speedy trials.
- will most probably be set in September if you ask for a trial date today.
- ; civil trials like family law or unlawful detainers get bumped.
- House Bill 2412 would add a ninth judicial position to the bench.
- As Judge Knott noted, Yakima County is experiencing trial delays.
Committee:
House Civil Rights & Judiciary
Keywords:
public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, charitable organization, charity, nonprobate transfer, beneficiary designation, life insurance, retirement account, payable on death, POD account, transfer on death, TOD, financial institution, insurance company, transfer agent, estate planning, donor intent
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I've instead spent months at a time prepping for trials.
- an appeal is pending, and then he's focusing on a new trial.
- For vehicle code infractions, there's already trial in absentia.
- Well, you know, just to say, my brother serves on the bench.
- Well, you know, just to say, my brother serves on the bench.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote.
AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns.
AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (10/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- This is Representative Greg and Representative Raymond on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial
- So we looked at pre-trial and mediation.
- So our suggestions are that we standardize pre-trial orders.
- We require a pre-trial case management order within 30 days for family cases.
- </c> cost of litigants retrieving trial cost of litigants retrieving trial transcripts<00:32:02.240><
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems.
A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout.
Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I always wanted to be the best trial lawyer I could.
- </c><00:29:16.480><c> I</c> because I enjoyed the trial work. I because I enjoyed the trial work.
- </c> on the bench over the last 2 years. on the bench over the last 2 years.
- </c> >> No question. uh fitness to stand trial.
- </c><01:54:14.640><c> bar</c> when I attend these bench bar when I attend these bench bar conferences
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes.
The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony.
Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I've instead spent months at a time prepping for trials.
- an appeal is pending, and then he's focusing on a new trial.
- For Vehicle Code infractions, there's already trial in absentia.
- The standard used in every adult criminal trial.
- Well, you know, just to say, my brother serves on the bench.
Committee:
House Public Safety
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We’ve made civil litigation more efficient by streamlining discovery and setting cases for trial sooner
- our judges and staff embraced remote proceedings so courts could continue to provide justice. for trial
- sooner we've doubled down on for trial sooner we've doubled down on our<00:30:13.679><c> commitment<
- </c><00:35:09.720><c> warrant</c> for an expungement and bench warrant for an expungement and bench warrant
- I want to thank Governor Lingle for her nominations that allowed me to join the bench and eventually
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- She said raising the age helps prevent seasoned judges from being forced off the bench or from avoiding
- , there's an ability of those bench, there's an ability of those attorneys<00:31:31.360><c> to</c><00
- </c> remember when you become a trial remember when you become a trial attorney,<00:31:48.320><c> when
- So, in terms of the concern about judges just being too old to be on the bench, basically this applies
- Can they actually kick him off the bench, or is it left up to the chief justice?
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing.
The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring.
Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the Hawaii Baptist Academy mock trial the Hawaii Baptist Academy mock trial team,<00:21:33.919><
- ><c> division</c> department's felony trials division department's felony trials division chief.<00:24
- And to your remarks, Senator Awa bench.
- Prior to Association's Trial Academy.
- These bills make that nightmare trial.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session and Joint Convention State of the Judiciary Address Mar 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of our Judicial Council, the California Judges Association, the Bench Bar Coalition, and our
- First, starting with our trial courts, we're grateful for the $70 million in ongoing funding that has
- been proposed in the governor's budget for the increasing costs associated with trial court operations
- We continue to work with our local trial courts to coordinate these legislative visits so that members
- The best qualified candidates for the bench.
Summary:
The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote.
The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate.
Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session and Joint Convention State of the Judiciary Address Mar 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- some instances, long-standing issues of concern that are facing our courts, first starting with our trial
- We continue to work with our local trial courts to coordinate these legislative visits so that members
- to facilitate the visits of at least 15 senators and 22 assembly members who have visited 15 local trial
- jeopardizes the judicial branch's ability to attract and retain the best qualified candidates for the bench
- The best qualified candidates for the bench.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you do get a family law trial, the day before, you could be bumped by a criminal trial.
- So if you do get a family law trial, the day before, you could be bumped by a criminal trial.
- We continue to hear an ever-increasing number of bench and jury trials.
- Despite hearing a record number of trials last year, they are still forced to strike and reschedule trials
- We understand local attorneys have difficulties scheduling trials, including family law and civil trials
Summary:
The committee first took up executive action on several bills. SB 5865 on garnishment forms was amended to require the Washington Pattern Forms Committee to finish the new forms by December 31, 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2027; a competing amendment was withdrawn, and the bill received a due pass recommendation. SB 5880 on toxicology testing by certified laboratories was amended to clarify that local governments may accept private donations to help fund ISO-IEC 17025 testing, without requiring them to do so, and it also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5912 to reinstate the Indigent Defense Task Force was amended to remove legislators from the task force, add members, revise duties and reporting, and adjust staffing and reimbursement provisions; it too was advanced. SB 5855 on law enforcement face coverings drew extensive amendment debate. The committee rejected amendments that would have narrowed mask exceptions, added weather/environmental language, created a private right of action against federal officers, and established a claims account for officers, but adopted the proposed substitute and sent the bill forward on a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard public testimony on SB 6011, which would let Court of Appeals bailiffs conduct threat assessments and access certain criminal history information for Court of Appeals judges and staff, mirroring authority already given to Supreme Court bailiffs. The bill’s sponsor and the acting chief judge for Division I said the change would address increasing threats and allow bailiffs to investigate and refer matters efficiently; there was no opposition testimony. SB 6009, which would make permanent direct-review procedures for certain administrative and land-use decisions, was described as a successful COVID-era process that reduces unnecessary court steps and conserves resources. The sponsor and a Court of Appeals judge supported making the sunset provisions permanent, and testimony was generally favorable.
Public hearing also continued on SB 5868, which would add one Superior Court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Court officials, county leaders, and the Administrative Office of the Courts testified that both counties have growing caseloads, trial delays, and backlogs, and that the counties had budgeted their share of the cost. The committee then heard SB 5974, which would add eligibility requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, restrict the use of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, and clarify duties of sheriffs. Supporters argued the bill would improve professionalism, accountability, and public trust, especially in immigrant and survivor communities. Opponents, including several sheriffs, cities, and counties, argued it would undermine local control and voter authority, impose costly background checks, and raise constitutional concerns. Public testimony on SB 5974 closed when time expired, and the committee adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm not, I'm not talking about the trial court judge.
- Most of them were judges themselves and had extensive trial background. I was up here.
- The nature of my practice wasn't what you would have wanted for a circuit trial judge.
- Good evening, Mike Sudicum on behalf of Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers.
- Good evening, Mike Sudicum, on behalf of Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers.
Committee:
House General Laws
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- , if not December, before there would be a trial date available.
- If I went in to ask for a one-day trial, just a bench-tried case, I would be You look.
- If I went in to ask for a one-day trial, just a bench-tried case, I would be looking at, we're in February
- , I'd be looking at every bit of November, if not December, before there would be a trial date available
- to get a trial.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/25/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I was appointed to the bench 15 years ago by past Governor Tim Pawlenty.
- He has been on the bench for 10 years. He was appointed by past Governor Dayton.
- I will say, and I guess I’m just curious what the average age of the judges are on the bench.
- You might remember Justice Eric Magneson got on the bench.
- <01:13:24.760><c> um</c> bench um bench um I<01:13:25.880><c> would</c><01:13:26.639><c> make</c><01:
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities